Thanksgiving Alternatives

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we’ve put together some nutritious alternatives to help you stay healthy (and full) this holiday season.

If turkey is not your thing, try: apple-stuffed acorn squash

Rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, stuffed roasted acorn squash is a great substitute for turkey.

To yield 6 servings:

• 3 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped Granny Smith apples
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Shredded cheese (optional)

1. Bake the squash cut side down at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Drain any remaining water.

2. Melt the margarine over medium heat on a large skillet and cook the onion and apple in the margarine until onion is translucent (about 10 minutes).

3. Stir raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cheese into apple and onion mixture. Turn the squash over and fill with apple mixture. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until filling is hot.

Over mashed potatoes? Try mashed cauliflower!

Cauliflower is high in fiber and B vitamins. If you want to replace your mashed potato dish with a healthier option, mashed cauliflower is an easy substitute.

To yield 4 servings:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, 2 pounds, chopped
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
• 7 cloves roasted garlic
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chives, for garnish, optional

1. Place cauliflower in a pot of boiling water and cook until tender (10 minutes).

2. Transfer cauliflower to a food processor and add butter, garlic, mustard, salt & pepper. Puree and season to taste.

Low-sugar cranberry sauce:

Ditch the high-sugar artificial cranberry sauce and make your own from real ingredients!

Yields 2 cups of sauce:

• 12 ounces (1 bag) fresh cranberries
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup water
• Zest of 1 medium orange*, preferably organic (about 1 teaspoon)
• Optional add-ins: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and/or ¼ cup fresh orange juice

1. Rinse cranberries and combine with honey and water in saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat until mixture has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and add orange zest and any additional toppings.

We wish you a very happy, and healthy, Thanksgiving, from all of us at Rootine.